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Richard W. Hawthorne, Business Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Business and Real Estate

Jacksonville, FL

Practicing business in Jacksonville since 1993.

33+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Richard W. Hawthorne is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Richard has over 33 years of legal experience.

Based in
Jacksonville, FLORIDA
Experience
over 33 years
Known for
Business · Real Estate
  • Handles Business and Real Estate matters from Jacksonville, FLORIDA.
  • Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (Jacksonville) (2026).

About Richard W. Hawthorne: Richard W. Hawthorne is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Richard has over 33 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Richard takes on

Richard concentrates on business and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Richard takes business matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Richard takes real estate matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Richard W. Hawthorne — business lawyer in Jacksonville

Richard W. Hawthorne is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Richard has over 33 years of legal experience.

Richard W. Hawthorne is a partner at DMHD, where he focuses on real estate and banking law. He represents buyers and sellers in commercial and residential real estate transactions, landlords and tenants in commercial leasing and developers of multifamily housing and retail buildings. He also has significant experience representing buyers and sellers of debt obligations.Mr. Hawthorne previously worked for Arthur Anderson & Co. (Jacksonville, Florida) as a tax accountant, Foley & Lardner LLP (Jacksonville, Florida), first as an associate then as a partner, and as general counsel and project manager for Thomas-Pierce & Company (Tallahassee, Florida) before joining DMHD in 2009 as a partner.

Working with Richard on a business matter

Richard W. Hawthorne is a partner at DMHD, where he focuses on real estate and banking law. He represents buyers and sellers in commercial and residential real estate transactions, landlords and tenants in commercial leasing and developers of multifamily housing and retail buildings. He also has significant experience representing buyers and sellers of debt obligations.Mr. Hawthorne previously…

Who Richard represents

Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and real estate matters in Jacksonville and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Florida

    J.D. with honors · 1992

  • University of Florida

    B.S. with honors (Accounting) · 1988

Jurisdictions

Richard's state bar admissions

  • Florida

    1993 · ACTIVE

Richard studied at J.D. with honors in University of Florida and B.S. with honors (Accounting) in University of Florida.

Law school and academic background

Richard completed J.D. with honors in University of Florida and B.S. with honors (Accounting) in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Richard has received 10 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (Jacksonville)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — AV Peer Review Rated by Lexis Nexis | Martindale Hubbell

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Florida Trend’s Legal Elite

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Jacksonville’s Top Lawyers in Jacksonville Magazine

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (Jacksonville) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance Law (2026).

Locations

Office locations for Richard W. Hawthorne in Jacksonville, Florida

Richard's primary office is at Jacksonville, Florida, 32202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Jacksonville, Florida 32202

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Richard W. Hawthorne

Richard has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Richard W. Hawthorne — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Richard

Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Richard W. Hawthorne

  • How much does it cost to hire Richard for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Richard offer a free consultation?

    Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Florida typically take?

    Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Jacksonville?

    Richard is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Richard will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Richard?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Richard accepting new business clients right now?

    Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa in Florida

Richard handles business matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Jacksonville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.